The Redmond, Washington-based software giant said that the Zune HD, Microsoft’s rival to the hot-selling Apple iPod, would be available in the United States before the end of the year.<\/p>\n
It did not say how much it would cost.<\/p>\n
Microsoft said the device would feature high-definition video output capability which would allow it to play HD quality video on HD televisions using a docking station.<\/p>\n
Microsoft also said it was integrating the Zune with its Xbox Live video offerings “bringing an exciting catalog of TV and film to the platform.”<\/p>\n
“This marks an important development in the Zune strategy and brings the Zune brand to more than 17 million international Xbox Live subscribers,” Microsoft said.<\/p>\n
It said the integration of Zune and Xbox Live would be demonstrated at next week’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n
2007 and latest projections have it falling further to 47.5%.<\/p>\n
Lead managers of the issue were BNP Paribas, Royal Bank of Scotland and Societe Generale.<\/p>\n